handeling wildlife

[Tylervsmith]

I think this is just something where we won't come to an agreement.

I agree that if he was more careful about what he was doing might be alive right now. On the other hand, any time you go into the ocean there's a chance that something bad will happen. I haven't seen the video so I can't venture a guess as to whether it was inappropriate behavior on his part.

the video was never given to public eyes

 

[ShadowBass]

Perception is very important in live animal displays and most responsible facilities and organizations carefully work these things out..Irwin did not do this very often.

I see where you're coming from with that. I don't arrange live animal displays for the public, and I don't deal with large amounts of people that will be viewing those displays, so it's not something I would have thought of.
I just know that with the show a lot of people I have spoken to had little interest in wildlife until watching him. It opened up a certain amount of discussion between people about wildlife, where in general the subject may not have been brought up.

 

[davo]

lol I understand that. I do disagree that he has been counterproductive in his message of conservation however... You had all the people going through education studying zoologists all hailing Sir David as the reason they got into what they were doing, and you can be damn sure with the likes of Steve Irwin both now and in the future, you will find a new wave of "want-to-be" herpetologists. I am afraid the main reason I can disagree is I'm living proof it has worked, from 10-12 how ever many years ago it was when I was going through education watching his first shows, and now I'm doing conservation work mainly with our native reptiles and amphibs, I'm in the middle of doing population distribution studies of Vipera Berus in the UK to use for predictive habitat modelling and when I sit and think how did I get here, although I was always a very "nature conscious" person, if Steve Irwin hadn't existed, I don't think I'd be doing what I am. I'd be suprised if I was the only person he affected positively through his shows.
He will always be recieved in different lights and to be honest, I have no quarrel with people whose worst thing they can say about him is "I didn't like his use of handling techniques", there will always be people who think it wasn't necessary and people that understand he wouldn't have been as successful as he was without it.

 

[Polypterus]

I think this is just something where we won't come to an agreement.

I agree that if he was more careful about what he was doing might be alive right now. On the other hand, any time you go into the ocean there's a chance that something bad will happen. I haven't seen the video so I can't venture a guess as to whether it was inappropriate behavior on his part.
Every time I go in the ocean I know there is a chance that I may be injured. I try to lessen the chance of that happening while still being able to enjoy myself, but it's always a possibility any time you put yourself into that type of enviroment.
I do agree that his behavior around dangerous critters in general heightened the risk of something happening to him, I just don't personally know in this case.

I disagree that his showmanship doesn't do anything at all for conservation. It attracted the attention of millions of people. You have to attract people's attention before you can start explaining conservation and other important issues to them. It's sad, but most people have short attention spans and could care less about these issues unless they're entertained in some way.

I work with Venomous snakes everyday. I do so because 1. it is my job and 2. I love to do so. (not necessarily in that order) I know the dangers and I know that just by profession I could wind up in a hospital or worse. I take my training seriously and follow it. Even some of the best keepers I know have been nailed and some I personally learned my trade from have been close to death for their profession and love of their job. I understand risk. I'm not one that thinks putting yourself at elevated risk ever really helps much though.

You have to attract people's attention before you can start explaining conservation and other important issues to them. It's sad, but most people have short attention spans and could care less about these issues unless they're entertained in some

And it is this fact that makes me sick to my stomach everyday...The disconnect of the Children and young adults today with the Land, ecology and nature is really sick. Everything has to be egocentric and for personal gratification or excitement in some way. The idea that Nature is best expressed on Animal planet rather than in reality is a problem for realistic wildlife and ecologic conservation.

 

[Polypterus]

I'm living proof it has worked, from 10-12 how ever many years ago it was when I was going through education watching his first shows, and now I'm doing conservation work mainly with our native reptiles and amphibs, I'm in the middle of doing population distribution studies of Vipera Berus in the UK to use for predictive habitat modelling and when I sit and think how did I get here, although I was always a very "nature conscious" person, if Steve Irwin hadn't existed, I don't think I'd be doing what I am. I'd be suprised if I was the only person he affected positively through his shows.

This is very cool BTW and it is good to hear...

 

[jason longboard]

the kids in my old neighborhood dont have funds or parents that care for that matter and can watch animal planet or whatever at someones house and see enough to want to become someone weather its animal control or just not wantin to kick the dog around the house.anyway,he got my atention more than anyone else and then i used his drive and motivation to save a few animals myself,anyways thanks for the responses.i feel the same way about the kids and nature,however i think they should watch planet and others,im thinkin of getting a van and makin some surf-ocean trips for underpriveliged kids and such,you got any ideas,your tummy must be realy hurting.

 

[davo]

And it is this fact that makes me sick to my stomach everyday...The disconnect of the Children and young adults today with the Land, ecology and nature is really sick. Everything has to be egocentric and for personal gratification or excitement in some way.

It is the freak occurance of stumbling across someone that isn't like this that allows me to carry on. Well, even if I was the only one, I'd still be doing it, but it sure gives a boost. The people that get off their arses and does something over talking about doing something are too far and few between.

 

[davo]

im thinkin of getting a van and makin some surf-ocean trips for underpriveliged kids and such,you got any ideas,your tummy must be realy hurting.

Teach them about the ocean imbetween. What's in it, what won't be in it for much longer... if you can keep it relavent the better and easier it will be. Some will be more responsive than others. I imagine surfing is a great way to get kids to do something outdoors, that is out with nature.

 

[jason longboard]

amen

 

[jason longboard]

oh i know,i just cant fathom how many kids havnt even been to the beach or high mountains,sad,and i do want to do something,thanks.